European Patent Office

The European Patent Organisation, an international organisation with its headquarters in Munich (Germany), a branch in The Hague (The Netherlands), a sub-office in Berlin (Germany) and a liaison office in Brussels (Belgium), operates the fastest-growing regional patent system in the world. It currently has 36 Member States and is set to expand further soon. The department responsible for patent information and publications is located in Vienna (Austria).

Its executive body, the European Patent Office, strives to stand out as a model international public service organisation. Its mission is to support innovation, competitiveness and economic growth for the benefit of European citizens. The EPO has an international staff recruited from its Member States. Out of the current total of some 6,500 well over half are academically qualified scientists and engineers.

Opportunities

The European Patent Office is currently recruiting
Engineers and Scientists to work as Patent Examiners at its offices in Munich, Berlin (Germany) and The Hague (The Netherlands) to examine patent applications and oppositions in our three official languages (English, German, French). This involves searching in online databases, analysing documents, communicating orally and in writing with patent applicants and their attorneys, and taking decisions on the granting of patents valid in up to 38 European countries.

What does the EPO offer?

•an intellectually stimulating job with technical, legal and linguistic dimensions
•a career offering a good work/life balance and job security
•long-term employment in an international environment at the forefront of technology
•intensive initial training in all aspects of patent examination, follow-up courses and language training
•an attractive salary, working conditions and social-security package (private medical insurance, pension scheme, relocation benefits and support), exemption from normal work -and residence- permit procedures.

Qualifications and competences required :
The formal minimum qualifications are as follows :
  • nationality of an EPO member state
  • a full university degree in engineering or a science;
  • excellent knowledge of one official language (English, French or German) and ability to understand the other two. Applications from candidates having excellent knowledge of one official language but able to understand only one of the others may be considered, if they are willing to learn the third before starting work.
In exceptional cases, the Office may alternatively consider offering a fixed-term contract for a maximum of three years instead of permanent employment. Candidates recruited on that basis may be appointed as permanent employees if, no later than three months before expiry of the contract, they can demonstrate that they have attained the level of knowledge of the third official language stipulated in the contract.
You should also have a genuine interest in technology, an eye for detail and an analytical mind.

Work experience in industry is not required but would be an advantage. Furthermore, while experience in the fields of patents and documentation is not necessary, applications from candidates with relevant experience are especially welcome.

 

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